HOW MANY PEOPLE USE VPNS IN 2024? (VPN USAGE STATISTICS)
Last Updated: September 23, 2024
Quick Answer 🔍
In 2024, how many individuals utilize VPNs?
142 million Americans utilize VPNs.
If you engage in any online activity, you may have realized the importance of using a VPN when browsing most websites.
VPNs are tailored for specific usage cases, indicating that should you need a VPN for LinkedIn or Safari, particular options are available. Furthermore, certain VPNs cater to specific geographical regions such as China, Thailand, and others.
Nowadays, the internet presents numerous security concerns, making it essential to utilize a VPN effectively.
This will not only mask your IP address but also safeguard your personal data when communicating with a web server.
One of the biggest hurdles in selecting a VPN is discerning which services are trustworthy and which may exploit you, but it is equally important to understand the VPN industry overall.
This knowledge allows you to navigate the landscape more confidently, without feeling entirely out of your depth.
Let’s examine what we consider to be compelling VPN statistics for 2024, to assist you in making an informed decision regarding your next VPN server and to ultimately discover how many people are utilizing VPNs.
Key VPN Statistics 2024
142 million Americans utilize VPNs.
VPN usage surged by 27.1% in 2020.
The VPN market is projected to reach a value of $107.5 billion by 2027.
In 2020, 88% of companies requested employees to work from home, driving up VPN demand.
In 2018, 25% of internet users employed a VPN.
The leading country for VPN usage in 2021 was Indonesia, with a usage rate of 44%.
VPN Usage Statistics & User Count 2024
1. 68% of American Adults Use a VPN for Personal or Work Use
This statistic is intriguing and highlights the widespread use of VPNs.
According to the data, 60% of American internet users are utilizing either a free or a paid VPN service for both business and personal purposes.
This equates to approximately 142 million American adults utilizing a VPN.
Of those surveyed, 96% expressed that their VPN service was either moderately or extremely effective.
2. The Majority of VPN Users Are Male
This next statistic may come as a surprise to some.
Regardless, it is evident that a significant portion of VPN users are male. In 2018, it was reported that 60% of VPN users identified as male, while 38% were female.
3. VPN Use Increased 27.1% During COVID
Due to circumstances, COVID led to a surge in VPN usage as numerous businesses began to promote remote work from home for their employees.
This notably resulted in heightened demand and impacted the total number of VPN users globally. Consequently, there was a 27.1% increase in VPN network users worldwide in 2020.
It is expected that this figure might slightly decline in the future, projecting an average annual growth of 17.2% for VPNs.
Statistics revealed that 88% of IT companies across the globe reported moving their employees into a remote work setup in 2020.
4. People’s Interest in VPNs Is Increasing
An increasing number of individuals are showing interest in the concept of VPNs.
Searches for the term ‘VPN’ on Google soared in 2020, peaking among individuals in America and China.
5. More than 39% of People that Use a VPN Are Between the Ages of 16 and 22
This figure indicates that a significant proportion of current VPN users online belong to Generation Z.
According to data, 75% of all VPN users are younger than 37, suggesting that many older Internet users may not be well-acquainted with the concept of utilizing a VPN for online activities.
6. 36% of American Customers Use a VPN, Compared to 1.5% 10 Years Ago
The exponential rise in VPN usage over the past decade is evident, with 36% of American customers currently utilizing a VPN, in contrast to merely 1.5% a decade prior.
Research indicates that among those who do not utilize a VPN, 58% are aware of what it is.
7. Italy’s VPN Use Increased by 175% in March 2020
These statistics clearly indicate that the pandemic marked a pivotal moment for VPN usage among individuals globally.
During the peak of COVID, various countries intensified their reliance on VPN technology, albeit to varying extents.
For instance, Italy experienced a 175% surge in VPN utilization, followed by America with a 132.5% increase, Spain at 62.1%, and Germany at 48.4%.
8. Slovakia Has the Quickest Growing VPN Market
Among nations with the most rapidly expanding markets for VPNs, Slovakia leads the list.
Year on year, interest in VPNs there is increasing by 300%, with Spain following closely behind, alongside Iceland, South Africa, and Japan rounding out the top of the list.
9. 62% of People Use a VPN on Their Mobile
Data shows that 62% of individuals who utilize a VPN every day are doing so via their mobile devices.
This could indicate a rising interest in mobile-friendly versions of popular VPN services, particularly over the past year.
While VPN use on desktops continues, smartphone VPN applications are becoming increasingly relevant, as people tend to have their smartphones with them at all times and even perform work-related tasks on them.
10. The Asia-Pacific Region Has the Most VPN Users
Analyzing global regions with significant levels of VPN usage, it becomes evident that the Asia-Pacific region hosts the highest number of VPN users.
When assessing VPN user demographics, area-specific use must be taken into account alongside overall statistics.
30% of customers from the Asia-Pacific region are VPN users, in contrast to 17% in Europe.
11. VPN Use Is Illegal in Some Countries
While it appears that many individuals worldwide appreciate the heightened security that VPNs provide online, not every country allows its citizens to benefit from this.
Countries where VPN usage is illegal include Iraq, North Korea, and Belarus.
Interestingly, several countries impose significant restrictions on VPN use, such as Iran, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates.
Even China has a strict stance against the use of VPNs by its citizens.
12. 47% of VPN Users Use Technology when Traveling Overseas
When traveling, technology serves as a valuable tool to enhance your experience. It keeps you connected with those at home and simplifies navigation in foreign countries where you might not be fluent in the local language.
Travelers, whether for leisure or business, are increasingly utilizing VPNs during their journeys abroad.
The question arises: how prevalent is VPN use among travelers?
Data reveals that around 47% of individuals utilize a VPN while traveling internationally, primarily for personal reasons.
Often, this is done to access local television services. Additionally, 36% of respondents indicate they leverage a VPN for business-related travel.
13. Most People Use a VPN to Get Better Entertainment
At the beginning of this piece, we touched upon significant VPN statistics, highlighting their vital role in online security, though this often is not the leading reason individuals opt for a virtual private network these days.
The primary motivation for most users is accessing enhanced entertainment options. This is true for 57% of mobile users and 54% of desktop users.
Other motivations for utilizing a VPN include gaining access to restricted social networks or maintaining anonymity while browsing the web.
Some users have even confessed to employing a VPN for accessing specific sites while at their workplace.
14. In North America, Maintaining Privacy Is Important
If you reside in North America, it’s quite likely that you use a VPN primarily for privacy protection.
Interestingly, while many globally are drawn to VPNs for better entertainment access, the majority in North America are inclined to use a VPN to ensure their online anonymity.
15. 33% of People Use a VPN for Music Downloads
Among those who subscribe to a VPN service, 33% claim they mainly use it for downloading music, while 27% utilize it for music streaming services.
Additionally, 27% report using a VPN for streaming television entertainment, and 29% of VPN subscribers frequently use it to access Netflix.
16. 12% of Internet Users Say They Use a VPN to Be on The Dark Web
This next statistic may offer some reassurance, especially since the dark web is typically regarded with caution.
Reports indicate that only 12% of VPN users acknowledge using it to gain access to the dark web.
This figure only accounts for those who have openly admitted to it, suggesting that the actual number could be higher. Of those 12%, 39% indicated they did so to maintain anonymity, while 26% cited bypassing content restrictions in their region as their reason.
17. VPN Usage Has Increased Markedly Since COVID
This topic has already been hinted at, and it is likely unsurprising that VPN usage has surged dramatically following the onset of the pandemic.
This increase is largely attributable to the rise in remote work trends.
18. 20% of Users Utilize a VPN to Conceal Their Online Activities from The Government
Given that we are in a technological era, the concept of Big Brother concerns many internet users, which explains why 20% of those using VPNs do so to mask their online activities from governmental scrutiny.
Indeed, while a majority of users employ a VPN to access entertainment platforms that may otherwise be restricted, there are still individuals who prioritize privacy and use a VPN to maintain anonymity, assuring themselves that the government is not monitoring their every action.
19. 74% of Americans Report Limiting Their Internet Usage Due to Privacy Concerns
Without a doubt, Americans express significant concern regarding the security of their private information while navigating the Internet.
This is illustrated by the statistic where 70% of Americans indicate they have curtailed their online activity out of fear concerning the safety of their personal data.
While 56% of individuals report having some level of trust in companies when sharing personal information online, it does not negate the fact that many remain cautious about security concerns related to internet use in general.
20. Americans Believe that Identity Theft Is the Most Pressing Cybersecurity Issue
Identity theft remains a pertinent issue in America and across the globe.
This concern is evident as 63% of American internet users identify identity theft as the most significant security threat.
In addition, 45% of respondents expressed worry about banking fraud and credit card fraud, with 23% voicing concerns regarding data harvesting by online platforms.
21. 92% of Americans Consider Online Privacy to Be Crucial
Curiously, despite acknowledging this importance, many individuals still don’t take sufficient measures to protect themselves online.
This scenario arises because the primary reason users fail to safeguard their online presence is the belief that it falls upon the network provider to ensure their data security.
22. 60% of Americans Believe They Can’t Navigate Life without Their Data Being Collected
It’s believed by six out of ten Americans that they cannot navigate life without the collection of their personal information for various reasons.
A significant number think that this data is being gathered by the government, and 81% of Americans feel they lack control over the information businesses collect about them, while 84% share similar sentiments regarding government data collection.
23. 62% of Individuals Are Worried About the Internet Compromising Their Personal Privacy
Numerous individuals express concerns about the Internet’s capability to infringe upon their privacy.
62% of VPN users contend that the Internet increasingly complicates their ability to manage privacy, contrasting with 60% of non-VPN users who feel the same.
Additionally, 64% of VPN users express apprehension regarding how businesses utilize their data, in comparison to 63% of non-VPN users.
While 68% of VPN users acknowledge being constantly online, only 58% of those who do not use VPNs say they are frequently connected.
24. Americans Believe They Can’t Control Who Accesses Their Personal Information
Interestingly, 18% of Americans are of the opinion that they lack control over who accesses their personal information, including their physical location.
54% believe they have minimal control over who can determine their location, which might explain the surge in VPN usage in recent years.
Using a VPN effectively conceals your physical location.
25. Why People Aren’t Using VPNs
Despite the growing popularity of VPNs over the past decade, many still do not feel that these tools are essential for their online activities.
do not require a VPN for personal purposes, while 22% assert they don’t need one for work-related tasks.
Another statistic indicated that 22% of these individuals consider VPNs to be too costly.
26. How Often Do People Use VPNs?
Research conducted in the United States and the UK reveals that 41% of individuals utilize a VPN once a week, whereas 36% report using one daily or nearly every day.
In contrast, another study indicated that 35% of VPN users utilize them every day on their desktop computers, while just 10% report using a VPN weekly.
Clearly, where one is located geographically can influence these statistics.
27. Who Pays for VPNs?
Surprisingly, organizations and companies fund 24% of all VPNs utilized worldwide.
Regarding the use of free VPNs, it accounts for 29% of all VPNs; however, most free options aren’t utilized for business needs.
For business purposes, we do not endorse the use of a free VPN.
An astonishing 26% of users are reported to pay for their VPN service, with 12% opting for a personal VPN, while they utilize a business VPN at their workplace.
28. Some Companies Still Don’t Want to Use VPNs
Despite compelling evidence highlighting the usefulness of VPNs as a resource for businesses globally, some companies still hesitate to adopt VPN technology, citing concerns about their own security or that of their employees.
Records indicate that 21% of companies have never employed VPN software, and while a number of these firms changed their stance during the COVID pandemic, 71% continue to express reluctance, even with a significant portion of work moving online.
29. How Much Is the VPN Market Worth?
We have discussed projections for the VPN market’s worth in 2027, but let’s focus on its current valuation.
As of 2020, the VPN market was estimated to be valued at around $30 billion.
This figure is largely driven by business VPNs, as the consumer VPN market is considerably smaller at roughly $550 million.
30. 90% of VPNs Are Offered by Companies Developed After 2005
This statistic reflects the technological advancements witnessed in recent decades.
During the early 2000s, the online landscape was relatively quiet, dominated by Microsoft and a budding Facebook.
Thus, it’s understandable that 90% of all VPN services are provided by companies established after 2005.
This trend also illustrates a transformation in public perception of the Internet, correlating with growing awareness regarding privacy concerns.
It’s encouraging to note that several VPN services launched in 2005 are still thriving today.
31. Over Half of VPN Users Use a VPN to Protect Their Privacy on Public Networks
If you’ve ever connected to a public Wi-Fi network while out, you may have had concerns regarding the security of your personal information.
While numerous individuals use VPNs primarily for entertainment, many also leverage them for privacy protection when utilizing complimentary Wi-Fi services.
54% of desktop VPN users and 57% of mobile VPN users utilize their VPNs primarily to safeguard their devices on public Wi-Fi.
This rationale is sound given the elevated risks of personal data breaches associated with public Wi-Fi usage.
32. Over 77% of VPN Users Purchase Digital Content Every Month
It’s worth noting that more than 77% of VPN users engage in buying digital content each month, with 33% of these individuals opting to download music.
Additionally, 27% invest in TV streaming services, music streaming services, or mobile applications.
33. Desktop Is Still King
Contrary to common belief, users continue to rely on their computers while subscribed to a VPN.
Desktop computers constitute 17% of all VPN users.
This indicates that individuals are still keen on accessing the Internet through traditional means like computers, though we anticipate a rise in mobile Internet usage as time progresses.
34. 56% of VPN Users Access Netflix Every Month
This statistic aligns with entertainment-related content, as it’s hardly surprising that 36% of individuals using a VPN do so to access Netflix each month.
Notably, the most sought-after TV shows are often available on the American version of Netflix.
Many international users wish to view these shows, and utilizing a VPN is one of the most effective methods for achieving this.
35. The Cost of Cybersecurity Has Increased in America by 25%
Let’s take a moment to revisit cyber security in America; a striking statistic shows a 25% increase in the cost of cyber security during 2020.
Consequently, businesses combatting cybercrime allocated 25% more resources within just one year.
This underscores the ongoing threat posed by cyber security, especially with the rise of online business operations leading to an escalation of the issue.
36. 2020 Saw 4.9 Billion Fraud Attacks
Cyber security encompasses various problems, one of which is fraud. The year 2020 recorded an alarming 4.9 billion fraud attacks.
Remarkably, this statistic indicates that 11% of all cyberattacks in that year were perpetrated by human actors, the remainder being attributed to bots.
According to statistics from 2020, 16.2% of cyber-attacks targeted mobile devices while 83.8% were executed on desktops.
Final Thoughts
Presenting a thorough compilation of what we find to be the most intriguing VPN statistics currently relevant in the industry and market, particularly concerning VPN usage.
The trend shows a growing number of individuals utilizing VPNs as awareness of the necessity to protect personal information online increases.
Additionally, a surge in VPN demand has been noted, largely due to the rise of remote work during the COVID pandemic. Thus, while we predict an increase in VPN usage over the upcoming years, it is likely to average out and plateau eventually.
We trust that you found this article about VPN usage in 2024, alongside the fascinating statistics surrounding it, helpful in making informed decisions about your VPN choice.
Sources
We appreciate your reading of this article titled: HOW MANY PEOPLE USE VPNS IN 2024? (VPN USAGE STATISTICS)
The information is sourced from 2023 and 2024, with predictions extending to 2025 and 2026. Additionally, we broaden the forecast data to include 2027 and 2028.
* This information was taken from various sources around the world, including these countries:
Australia, Canada, USA, UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, US, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, U.S., South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic.
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Metropolitan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories.
Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.
Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.
Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.
Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.
Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America, U.S.), US Minor Outlying Islands.
Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Australia (Oceania), Middle East, South America.
Post Title: HOW MANY PEOPLE USE VPNS IN 2024? (VPN USAGE STATISTICS)
Last Updated: September 23, 2024
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